Public Service Obligations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Questions (352)

Mary Upton

Question:

412 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the State will fund the public service obligations of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1363/05]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The universal service obligation, which includes nationwide delivery requirements, is enshrined in EU and Irish law and therefore is a statutory requirement for An Post as the designated universal service provider. Furthermore, the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002 set out the area of the postal market solely reserved for An Post as the universal service provider. Therefore, it is not envisaged that public funding will be provided to An Post to meet its universal service obligations.